Northwest History. Alaska. General.

• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: 1921
• Subjects: Alaska; totem poles; native customs; Indian village; Old Kassan; New Kassan; Northwest; Pacific > History > 20th century; Indian; Pacific; Pinnacle; Ketchikan
• Online Access: http://content.libraries.wsu.edu/cdm/ref/collection/clipping/id/91882

Alaska Is Losing Her Totem Poles. ALASKA IS LOSING HER TOTEM POLES Alaska is losing its totem poles. Because of the gradual decline in observance of native customs, totem poles are no longer erected, and the elements are wearing down those remaining, says an exchange. The largest collection of totems in the north, it is said, is to be found in the abandoned Indian village of Old Kassan, 25 miles from Ketchikan. The village was deserted serveral years ago, after a disastrous fire, the natives moving to New Kassan. Old Kassan's totem are of many sizes and descriptions. Some are of imposing proportions, with the four distinct emblems of the bear, the crow, the toad and the eagle represented. The poles are carved, from base to pinnacle, with gorgeous langauge. The totems are carved on cedar, which is slow in perishing.